The Handmaid's Tale: Opera of Searing Contemporary Resonance
In-person TicketsOnline-only Tickets
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In this whirlwind 2024 political election year, public affairs issues include gender considerations, reproductive rights and governing boundaries.
The central concept of "The Handmaid's Tale" opera is based on Margaret Atwood's dystopian-themed 1985 novel The Handmaid’s Tale—that women are subordinate to men, must take on domestic and subservient roles including ritualized rape. Female worth is tied to becoming mothers. No reading, No owning property, No Careers Allowed. The theocratic extremist government is anti dissidents, academics, and "gender traitors."
Discussion about Handmaid's Tale themes—this projected fictional situation of the United States in a "not too distant future year"—is amazingly relevant in consideration of the hot button issues of American public affairs during fall 2024.
General Director Matthew Shilvock writes: “San Francisco Opera continues its second century with a season that demonstrates the potential of opera to connect to the most fundamental aspects of our humanity . . . through works of searing contemporary resonance like The Handmaid’s Tale."
Rescheduled from August 21.
This program has 2 types of tickets available: in-person and online-only. You must pre-register to receive a link to the live-stream event.
If you have symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, etc.), we ask that you either stay home or wear a mask. Our front desk has complimentary masks for members and guests who would like one.
The Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is a nonprofit public forum; we welcome donations made during registration to support the production of our programming.
An Arts Member-led Forum program. Forums at the Club are organized and run by volunteer programmers who are members of The Commonwealth Club, and they cover a diverse range of topics. Learn more about our Forums.
In Association with San Francisco Opera.
Graphic by Brian Stauffer.
All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable.
The Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California
110 The Embarcadero
Taube Family Auditorium
San Francisco, CA 94105
United States
Carol T. Christ
11th Chancellor and Provost of the University of California, Berkeley; Former President, Smith College
Katherine Snyder
Associate Professor, University of California, Berkeley; Director, Berkeley Connect
Karen Kamensek
Opera Conductor, "The Handmaid’s Tale"
Dr. Anne W. Smith
Co-chair, Arts Member-led Forum. Commonwealth Club World Affairs; Professor of Contemporary Arts and Culture Management; Arts Influencer and Consultant—Host
Matthew Shilvock
General Director, San Francisco Opera
5 p.m. doors open & check-in
5:30–6:30 p.m program
(all times Pacific Time)
COST
Members receive 30–50 percent discounts (not a member? Join)
In-person:
$22
